Corbin brings his traditional country sound to Lima

LIMA — Since breaking onto the country music scene in 2009, Easton Corbin’s career has skyrocketed. Today, this breakthrough artist brings his hit list to town for a special benefit concert to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The 2010 Country Artist of the Year says his songs reflect a traditional country sound that resonates today with fans.

“Yeah, I’m traditional, and I’m very proud of that,” Corbin said in a phone interview last week with The Lima News. Growing up under the influence of his grandparents, staples like "Hee Haw" were the cornerstones that would eventually mold his sound.

“We spent every Saturday night listening to 'Hee Haw.' I think whatever you grow up around is what influences you. That’s probably why I love that traditional country,” Corbin said.

The Florida native had always hoped to break into the music industry, but as a back-up had earned an agribusiness degree at University of Florida. While working a job at an Ace hardware store in Nashville, he signed with Universal Music Group and released his debut single, “A Little More Country Than That.”

“I know I’m lucky. There’s a lot of great singers that never get the chance to be heard, and I get to sing my songs,” Corbin said.

That song peaked at No. 1 on the country charts and started a career that would include several awards from the American Country Awards, including Breakthrough Artist, single of the year, and breakthrough music video.

Some might wonder whether such success from his debut album would produce jitters for a sophomore effort.

“I was very blessed to have such success with that first, and yeah, people wonder can you follow that up? Finally, instead of worry about that I just did like I did with the first CD and recorded the music that I like. I hope folks like it too,” Corbin said.

His second release in September of last year is “All Over the Road.”

“That’s basically about somebody that’s been drinking, but not. It’s about being with somebody that gives you the feeling of being intoxicated, without drinking,” he said.

Overall, he said the project fits his style.

“This is real music. It’s for hard-working American people. That’s who we are,” he said.